Registered Veterinary Technician

•   NEW RATES, EFFECTIVE 11/17/2024  

Under general supervision, work independently to perform a variety of technical and routine work with an emphasis on animal care in a shelter operation; Employees in this classification supervise, coordinate and perform a combination of kennel and animal care work; deal tactfully and effectively with the public;  responsible for carrying out the direction of a licensed veterinarian in providing paramedical treatment to animals in accordance with federal, state and local law including humane euthanasia of animals according to established procedures;  work with volunteers and rescue groups; may handle monies generated; perform related work as required. 

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Typical duties may vary from routine animal care to more complex duties of a similar nature.
• Employees in this classification will assist with the planning, scheduling, assigning, and monitoring of daily activities of shelter staff and volunteers.
• Provide training, task supervision and evaluation of staff assigned.
• Assists with training of volunteers and work crews.
• Oversee the daily operation of the shelter in the absence of the supervisor.
• Assess animal health and temperament on arrival.
• Conduct general health checks, administer medicine and vaccines.
• Provide care to animals requiring treatment and/or special needs.
• Clean and maintain building and grounds areas at the shelter.
• Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food and equipment.
• Perform compassionate and humane euthanasia and disposal of animals according to department protocols.
• Maintain detailed records and security of federally controlled drugs in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Safely handle and transport animals from the shelter to the veterinary hospital or another shelter as needed.
• Update computer files when receiving, treating, moving or determining disposition animals.
• Handle animals humanely and effectively under stressful situations.
• Observe and monitor animal shelter population and report behavior irregularities and/ or disease symptoms.
• Assist in responding to disaster situations.
• Operate office equipment; keep accurate records and logs.
• Manage multiple tasks and prioritize work.

Knowledge of: 

• Animal behavior, anatomy and physiology;
• Diseases and their symptoms common to domestic animals and wildlife;
• Methods for safe, effective and humane handling of domestic and wild animals;
• Basic diagnostic procedures;
• Animal emergency and first aid procedures;
• Techniques for administering medications and treatments to animals;
• Laboratory testing procedures;
• Procedures for safe and humane euthanasia;
• Pharmaceuticals and equipment used in an animal health facility;
• Work-related safety standards and procedures.

Ability to: 

• Observe, evaluate and effectively respond to the condition of animals;
• Interpret and implement rules, policies and procedures governing the care, treatment, impoundment, release and euthanasia of animals;
• Effectively prioritize and complete tasks and assignments with minimal oversight and within established timeframes;
• Clearly and accurately document and maintain work-related information and records;
• Use a computer to access, input and retrieve information and produce written reports;
• Speak clearly and effectively to communicate technical and work-related information in a manner that is understandable to the listener;
• Deal courteously and effectively with staff and the public, including individuals who may be angry or distraught;
• Handle dangerous, aggressive, sick or injured animals. 

Education and Experience: 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High School graduation supplemented by knowledge of animal husbandry and shelter practices.   Education, training and/or experience that demonstrate skills necessary would be three years of experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, humane society or other animal facility.  A community college or college level degree related to the specialty area may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.  

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid current certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) issued by the Veterinary Medical Board of the State of California

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk on a variety of surfaces, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; taste and smell. The employee must frequently lift, pull, push and/or move more than 50 pounds; carry and restrain animals weighing up to and in excess of 50 pounds. Employee may occasionally lift, and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

 Environmental Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk on a variety of surfaces, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; taste and smell. The employee must frequently lift, pull, push and/or move more than 50 pounds; carry and restrain animals weighing up to and in excess of 50 pounds. Employee may occasionally lift, and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.